Retired IAF Officer Shooting: Brothers Arrested for Road Rage Revenge in Lucknow
In a significant breakthrough, Lucknow police have apprehended two brothers for their alleged involvement in the shooting of a retired Indian Air Force (IAF) officer outside a shopping complex in Sushant Golf City. The arrest comes nearly three weeks after the incident, which investigators say was a calculated act of revenge stemming from a road rage altercation that occurred last year.
Details of the Arrest and Investigation
Deputy Commissioner of Police (south zone), Nipun Agarwal, confirmed that Durgesh Mishra, aged 31, and his younger brother Amit Mishra, 24, both residents of Amethi, were taken into custody. The arrest was executed by a joint team comprising the south zone surveillance cell and the Sushant Golf City police. The suspects were located and detained within the Sushant Golf City area itself.
The victim, identified as Awadhesh Kumar Pathak, is a retired IAF officer who currently operates a cloud kitchen at Shopping Square in the Ansal complex. The attack unfolded on January 30, when Pathak was preparing to enter his vehicle. At that moment, one of the accused allegedly opened fire on him.
Root Cause: A Road Rage Incident from 2025
Police investigations have revealed that the shooting was directly linked to a road rage incident that took place on November 28, 2025. According to statements provided by the accused, Amit Mishra recounted that while attempting to overtake Pathak's car near Arjunganj, his motorcycle stalled. This led to a heated argument, during which the retired IAF officer allegedly humiliated him. The perceived insult festered, culminating in the violent retaliation months later.
Execution of the Attack
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (south), Vasanth Rallapalli, detailed the modus operandi. On January 30, the Mishra brothers visited the shopping complex where Pathak works. Durgesh Mishra allegedly approached the victim under the pretense of inquiring about a shop, creating a distraction. Meanwhile, Amit Mishra is accused of firing at Pathak using a country-made pistol.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
The case has been formally registered under section 109(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which pertains to abetment, along with relevant sections of the Arms Act. These charges reflect the serious nature of the offense and the planned execution of the attack. Police are continuing their investigation to uncover any further details or potential accomplices.
This incident highlights the dangerous escalation of road rage conflicts and underscores the importance of addressing such disputes through legal channels rather than vigilante justice. The swift action by Lucknow police in apprehending the suspects demonstrates their commitment to maintaining law and order in the city.
